Self-propelled recycling machine, and base unit and base frame of self-propelled recycling machine

ABSTRACT

In a self-propelled recycling machine for receiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclable materials to produce recycled products, the self-propelled recycling machine comprises traveling units  2  disposed side by side in a spaced relation, a base frame  29  disposed between the traveling units  2  so as to form a space for accommodating a power unit  3  between the traveling units  2,  the power unit  3  disposed in the space within the base frame  29,  and a mixing apparatus  23  disposed on the base frame  29.  With such a construction, flexibility in layout of various component units can be increased.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-propelled recyclingmachine for receiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclablematerials through predetermined steps to produce recycled products.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, a tendency toward promotion of reuse of wastes has beenincreased with enforcement (October, 1991) of the Resource ReproductionPromotion Act (so-called Recycle Act). Under such a situation, therehave expanded needs for self-propelled recycling machine represented by,e.g., a self-propelled crushing machine for receiving, as recyclablematerials, materials to be crushed, e.g., rocks and building or housingwastes generated in construction sites and industrial wastes, andcrushing those materials into predetermined sizes to obtain recycledproducts (crushed fragment products), and a self-propelled soilmodifying machine for receiving, as recyclable materials, earth, etc.generated in various construction and other sites, and mixing a hardener(soil modifier) to the earth to obtain recycled products (modified earthproducts).

[0003] For example, many types of self-propelled crushing machines havealready been proposed, including a machine equipped with, as aprocessing apparatus, a 2-axis shearing machine (so-called shredder) asdisclosed in JP, A 10-137624, and a machine equipped with, as aprocessing apparatus, the so-called jaw crusher as disclosed in JP, A11-28383. Also, many types of self-propelled soil modifying machineshave already been proposed, including a machine equipped with, as aprocessing apparatus, a mixing apparatus as disclosed in, e.g., JP, A9-195265. In any of those prior-art machines, the processing apparatusis mounted on a body frame, processes the recyclable materials receivedby a receiving section (hopper) through predetermined steps, and thendelivers recycled products to the outside of the machine through adelivery conveyor vertically extending to rise from a position below thebody frame.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In many of such self-propelled recycling machines, a power unit(mover unit) serving as a driving source for various component units,e.g., the processing apparatus and traveling units, is usually mountedon the body frame at one end in the longitudinal direction thereof.Taking into account a total weight balance of the machine in, e.g.,self-propelled traveling and processing works, therefore, positions inwhich the various component units, such as the processing apparatus, areto be arranged are necessarily essentially limited to particularlocations on the body frame, and layout of the various component unitsis greatly restricted in the whole of the machine.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelledrecycling machine, which can increase flexibility in layout of variouscomponent units.

[0006] (1) To achieve the above object, the present invention provides aself-propelled recycling machine for receiving recyclable materials andprocessing the recyclable materials to produce recycled products, theself-propelled recycling machine comprising a base frame having a spacetherein; traveling units disposed on both sides of the base frame; apower unit accommodated in the space within the base frame; and aprocessing apparatus disposed on the base frame.

[0007] With the self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention, an accommodation space is formed between the traveling unitsdisposed side by side in a spaced relation, and the base framecontaining the power unit therein is disposed in the accommodationspace, whereby the power unit, which has been disposed on a body framein the past, is disposed between the traveling units. Accordingly, awide space can be surely left on the base frame, and stability of themachine as a whole can be drastically improved. As a result, comparingwith the conventional structure in which the body frame is disposed onthe traveling units and the power unit is arranged in one side of thebody frame in the longitudinal direction thereof, flexibility in layoutof various component units can be greatly increased.

[0008] (2) To achieve the above object, the present invention alsoprovides a self-propelled recycling machine for receiving recyclablematerials and processing the recyclable materials to produce recycledproducts, the self-propelled recycling machine comprising a base framemade up of a first member having a space therein and second membersdisposed at an upper end of the first member on both sides to extendsubstantially horizontally; traveling units disposed on both sides ofthe first member and positioned under the second members; a power unitaccommodated in the space within the first member; and a processingapparatus disposed on the base frame.

[0009] (3) In above (1) or (2), preferably, the power unit comprises anengine, a fuel tank for the engine, a hydraulic fluid tank, a hydraulicpump driven by the engine, and a radiator for cooling the engine.

[0010] (4) In above (3), preferably, the engine, the fuel tank, thehydraulic fluid tank, the hydraulic pump, and the radiator are disposedbetween the traveling units substantially over an entire length in thelongitudinal direction thereof.

[0011] (5) In above (3), preferably, the engine, the hydraulic pump, andthe radiator are disposed between the traveling units on one side in thelongitudinal direction thereof in concentrated layout.

[0012] (6) In above (4) or (5), preferably, the self-propelled recyclingmachine further comprises a receiving section receiving the recyclablematerials and disposed above the other side of the base frame in thelongitudinal direction thereof, and transfer/delivery means extendedtoward one side of the base frame in the longitudinal direction thereof.

[0013] (7) In above (6), preferably, the transfer/delivery means has adelivery side end positioned at a level higher than the receivingsection.

[0014] (8) In any one of above (1) to (7), preferably, the processingapparatus is a mixing apparatus for mixing the recyclable materials.

[0015] (9) In above (8), preferably, a transport conveyor for supplyingthe recyclable materials to the mixing apparatus and a hardenersupplying apparatus for supplying a hardener to the recyclable materialsare further disposed on the base frame.

[0016] (10) In above (9), more preferably, amount-of-dispensed-materialadjusting means for adjusting an amount of the recyclable materialsdispensed to be transported by the transfer/delivery means is disposedabove the transfer/delivery means.

[0017] (11) In any one of above (1) to (7), preferably, the processingapparatus is a sieving apparatus for sorting the recyclable materialsdepending on grain sizes.

[0018] (12) In any one of above (1) to (7), preferably, the processingapparatus comprises a compressive kneading apparatus for compressing andkneading the recyclable materials, and a disintegrating apparatus forshearing the recyclable materials having been compressed and kneaded bythe compressive kneading apparatus.

[0019] (13) In any one of above (1) to (7), preferably, the processingapparatus is a crushing apparatus for crushing the recyclable materials.

[0020] (14) Further, to achieve the above object, the present inventionprovides a base unit for a self-propelled recycling machine forreceiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclable materialsto produce recycled products, the base unit comprising a base framehaving a space therein; traveling units disposed on both sides of thebase frame; and a power unit accommodated in the space within the baseframe.

[0021] (15) Still further, to achieve the above object, the presentinvention provides a base frame for a self-propelled recycling machinefor receiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclablematerials to produce recycled products, wherein the base frame has aspace formed therein for accommodating a power unit between travelingunits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a side view showing an overall structure of oneembodiment of a self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a side view showing an external structure of a base unitequipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the external structure of the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 4 is an internal side view showing a detailed structure of apower unit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 5 is an internal plan view showing the detailed structure ofthe power unit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelledrecycling machine of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a detailed structure of abase frame equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a widthwise section of oneconstruction example of the base frame equipped in one embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a widthwise section of anotherconstruction example of the base frame equipped in one embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another construction exampleof the base unit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelledrecycling machine of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 10 is a side view showing an overall construction of oneself-propelled mixing machine, which is constructed using the base unitequipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention.

[0032]FIG. 11 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled mixing machine, which is constructed using the base unitequipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention.

[0033]FIG. 12 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed using the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a receiving section providedin the self-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed using thebase unit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 14 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed using the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a receiving section providedin another self-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed usingthe base unit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 16 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled sorting machine, which is constructed using the base unitequipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention.

[0038]FIG. 17 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled granulating machine, which is constructed using the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 18 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled powder dispensing machine, which is constructed using thebase unit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 19 is a side view showing an overall construction of oneself-propelled crushing machine, which is constructed using the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 20 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled crushing machine, which is constructed using the baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 21 is a side view of a recyclable-material processing systemconstructed by arranging the self-propelled sorting machine, theself-propelled supplying machine and the self-propelled mixing machinein tandem, which are each constructed using the base unit equipped inone embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention.

[0043]FIG. 22 is a side view showing an overall structure of anotherembodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention.

[0044]FIG. 23 is a side view showing an external structure of a baseunit equipped in another embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an external structure of the baseunit equipped in another embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 25 is an internal plan view showing a detailed structure of apower unit equipped in another embodiment of the self-propelledrecycling machine of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 26 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 10, showing anoverall construction of one self-propelled mixing machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 27 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 11, showing anoverall construction of another self-propelled mixing machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 28 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 12, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled supplying machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 29 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 16, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled sorting machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 30 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 17, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled granulating machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 31 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 18, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled powder dispensing machine,which is constructed using the base unit equipped in another embodimentof the self-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 32 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 19, showing anoverall construction of one self-propelled crushing machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 33 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 20, showing anoverall construction of another self-propelled crushing machine, whichis constructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 34 is a side view of a recyclable-material processing systemconstructed by arranging the self-propelled supplying machine, theself-propelled granulating machine and the self-propelled sortingmachine in tandem, which are each constructed using the base unitequipped in another embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 35 is a side view of a recyclable-material processing systemconstructed by arranging the self-propelled sorting machine, which isconstructed using the base unit equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention, and aconventional self-propelled soil modifying machine in tandem.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0057] One embodiment of a self-propelled recycling machine of thepresent invention will be described below with reference to thedrawings. In this embodiment, the self-propelled recycling machine isdescribed, taking as an example a self-propelled soil modifying machinefor receiving, as recyclable materials, earth and sand to be modified,mixing the received earth and sand together with a hardener, and thendelivering the modified earth as recycled products.

[0058]FIG. 1 is a side view showing an overall structure of oneembodiment of a self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention, FIG. 2 is a side view showing an external structure of a baseunit equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machineof the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the externalstructure of the base unit.

[0059] In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a base unit. Thebase unit 1 comprises a pair of traveling units 2 disposed side by sidein a spaced relation on the left and right, a power unit 3 (mover unit)serving as a power source for the self-propelled soil modifying machine,and a base frame 29 disposed between the pair of traveling units 2 so asto form a space for accommodating the power unit 3 between the pair oftraveling units 2. Each of the traveling units 2 comprises a track frame4 projecting from a lower portion of the base frame 29 on each of bothsides thereof in the widthwise direction (up-and-down direction asviewed in FIG. 3), a driver wheel 5 and a driven wheel (idler) 6disposed respectively at opposite ends of the track frame 4, a crawler(endless track crawler) 7 running round the driver wheel 5 and thedriven wheel 6, and a driving device 8 directly coupled to the driverwheel 5.

[0060]FIG. 4 is an internal side view showing a detailed structure ofthe base unit 1, FIG. 5 is an internal plan view showing the detailedstructure of the based unit 1, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showinga detailed structure of the base frame 29.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 in addition to FIGS. 2 and 3, the baseframe 29 comprises a first member 29 a having substantially box-likeshape and disposed between the pair of traveling units 2 so as to form aspace for accommodating the power unit 3 between the pair of travelingunits 2, and second members 29 b disposed to extend from an upper end ofthe first member 29 a so as to lie over the traveling units 2.

[0062]FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views showing respective widthwisesections of one construction example and another construction example ofthe base frame 29. In the drawings mentioned above, as shown in oneconstruction example of FIG. 7, the track frame 4 of the traveling unit2 is attached by, e.g., welding to a side of the first member 29 a ofthe base frame 29 at its lower end portion (see FIG. 6). However, theconstruction of the base frame 29 is not limited to the above-describedone. As shown in another construction example of FIG. 8, for instance,the track frame 4 may be disposed in a position displaced upward from alower end of the first member 29 a such that the crawler 7 comes closerto the underside of the first member 29 a with an appropriate clearanceleft between them to such an extent as not contacting with the secondmember 29 b of the base frame 29.

[0063] While the first member 29 a is illustrated in FIG. 6 in the formof a frame assembled by steel materials, e.g., square pipes, four sidesurfaces and a bottom surface of the frame assembly may be covered withplate-like members to provide a box-like structure, thereby forming thespace to accommodate the power unit 3. Also, the frame shape is ofcourse not limited to one shown in FIG. 6. So long as it is ensured thatthe frame assembly has an internal volume enough to accommodate thepower unit 3, etc. therein, the frame shape can be changed as a matterof design as desired. Further, the provision of beams or the likes fromthe structural point of view is restricted in no way so long as thosemembers are disposed to provide a desired level of strength. Of course,those members may be omitted when a desired level of strength is ensuredwithout the provision of those members.

[0064] Also, the structure of the base frame 1 itself is not limited toone shown in FIG. 6. The track frames 4 of the traveling units 2 may beintegrally assembled to both sides of the first member 29 a of the baseframe 29. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, by way of example, asanother construction example of the base unit 1, the first member 29 ais constituted by employing the track frames 4 as lower frames of thefirst member 29 a at both the sides thereof, forming both side portionsof the first member 29 a by the track frames 4 and plate-like frames 29aa disposed on the track frames 4, and connecting both the side portionsof the first member 29 a to each other as appropriate using beams or thelikes. As still another construction, the first member may be assembledto the form of a frame in almost the same manner as that shown in FIG.6, and portions of the track frames 4 supporting the driver wheels 5 andthe driven wheels 6 may be attached respectively to front and rearportions of the first member at both the sides thereof. While the secondmembers 29 b are not shown in FIG. 9 for the sake of simplicity, thesecond members 29 b are actually disposed to extend from the upper endof the first member 29 a on both the sides thereof and connected to eachother by, e.g., welding or bolting.

[0065] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the construction of the power unit 3will be described in the following. Reference numeral 9 denotes anengine serving as a driving source of the self-propelled soil modifyingmachine of this embodiment, 10 denotes a fuel tank for the engine 9, and11 denotes a hydraulic fluid tank for storing a hydraulic fluid suppliedto various hydraulic actuators, such as the driving device 8. Fluidsupply ports 10 a, 11 a are provided respectively in the fuel tank 10and the hydraulic fluid tank 11. Reference numeral 12 denotes ahydraulic pump driven by the engine 9 and delivering the hydraulic fluidfrom the hydraulic fluid tank 11, and 13 denotes a control valve deviceprovided with a plurality of control valves each controlling thedirection and flow rate (or only the direction) of the hydraulic fluiddelivered from the hydraulic pump 12. Reference numeral 14 denotes aradiator for cooling the engine 9, 15 denotes a battery, and 17 denotesan exhaust muffler for muffling of exhaust gas from the engine 9.

[0066] Also, reference numeral 16 denotes a cover for covering the spaceformed in the base frame 29 to accommodate the power unit 3. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the various components constituting the power unit 3,i.e., the engine 9, the fuel tank 10, the hydraulic fluid tank 11, thehydraulic pump 12, the control valve device 13, the radiator 14, thebattery 15, the exhaust muffler 17, etc. which constitute the power unit3, are disposed within the base frame 29 and the cover 16 between thepair of traveling units 2 substantially over the entire length of thebase frame 29 in the longitudinal direction (left-and-right direction asviewed in FIG. 4).

[0067] Further, though not specifically shown for the sake ofsimplicity, the power unit 3 includes a fan. When the engine 9 isstarted up, the fan is driven together with the hydraulic pump 12 tosuck open air into the power unit 3 through an intake port (not shown),thereby cooling the radiator 14, the engine 9, the hydraulic pump 12,the muffler 17, etc. The air is then released to the atmosphere throughan exhaust port (not shown). The engine 9 and the exhaust muffler 17 areconnected to each other through an exhaust manifold. The exhaust gasfrom the engine 9 flows into the exhaust muffler 17 through the exhaustmanifold for the purpose of muffling, following which the exhaust gas isreleased to the atmosphere. Additionally, the power unit 3 is providedwith an air cleaner (not shown) for cleaning the intake air introducedto the engine 9.

[0068] Returning to FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 18 denotes areceiving section (hopper) for receiving earth and sand, as recyclablematerials, loaded by a hydraulic excavator, for example. The receivingsection 18 is formed substantially in a frame shape spreading upward andis positioned above the base unit 1 on the other side (right side inFIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction thereof. Reference numeral 19denotes a transport conveyor for transporting the earth and sand withinthe receiving section 18, and 20 denotes a hardener supplying apparatusfor adding a hardener (soil modifier) to the earth and sand on thetransport conveyor 19. The hardener supplying apparatus 20 comprises ahardener reservoir 21 and a hardener feeder 22 (e.g., a screw feeder ora rotary feeder) disposed below the hardener reservoir 21.

[0069] Reference numeral 23 denotes a mixing apparatus as a processingapparatus equipped in a self-propelled recycling machine (self-propelledsoil modifying machine) 100 of this embodiment. The mixing apparatus 23includes a paddle mixer (not shown) disposed therein. The earth and sandintroduced, along with the hardener, from the transport conveyor 19 andthe hardener supplying apparatus 20 through an inlet 24 are mixed witheach other by the paddle mixer to produce modified earth, which is thendelivered through an outlet 25. Reference numeral 26 denotes a drivingdevice for driving the paddle mixer for rotation.

[0070] Reference numeral 27 denotes a transfer/delivery means (deliveryconveyor) for delivering the modified earth, which has been produced bythe mixing apparatus 23, to the outside of the machine. Thetransfer/delivery means 27 is extended from a position under the outlet25 of the mixing apparatus 23 toward the one end side of the base unit 1in the longitudinal direction thereof (to the left in FIG. 1). Then, thetransfer/delivery means 27 is inclined upward as it extends in the feeddirection (to the left in FIG. 1), and has a delivery side end (on theleft side in FIG. 1) positioned at a level higher than the receivingsection 18.

[0071] Reference numeral 28 denotes a support frame assembled asappropriate using steel materials, e.g., square pipes. Theabove-mentioned various component units, such as the receiving section18, the transport conveyor 19, the hardener supplying apparatus 20, themixing apparatus 23, and the transfer/delivery means 27, are supportedby the support frame 28 and disposed as an integral structure on thebase unit 1.

[0072] Reference numeral 30 denotes a plurality of mount portionsprovided as appropriate on upper surfaces of the base frame 29 (exactlyspeaking, the second members 29 b) and the cover 16. The support frame28 are mounted to the mount portions 30 using, e.g., bolts. The mountportions 30 are each formed of, for example, a steel plate in which aplurality of screw holes are bored, and they are fixed to the cover 16and the base frame 29 as appropriate by, e.g., welding. In other words,even when the support frame 28 has somewhat different constructionsdepending on the layout of the various component units such as themixing apparatus 23, each support frame 28 can be fixed in appropriatepositions corresponding to the shape of the support frame 28.

[0073] Reference numeral 31 denotes a control lever for the travelingunits 2, and 32 denotes a control panel for the various component units,such as the transport conveyor 19, the hardener supplying apparatus 20,the mixing apparatus 23, and the transfer/delivery means 27. Referencenumeral 33 denotes an inspection opening (see FIG. 3) formed in thecover 16 of the power unit 3 for the purpose of maintenance of theengine 9 and the peripheral components around it.

[0074] In the self-propelled soil modifying machine 100 thusconstructed, when earth and sand to be modified are loaded into thehopper 18 by a hydraulic excavator, for example, the earth and sandreceived into the hopper 18 are fed by the transport conveyor 19disposed below the hopper 18 and introduced to the mixing apparatus 23together with the hardener from the hardener supplying apparatus 20. Theearth and sand introduced, along with the hardener, to the mixingapparatus 23 are evenly agitated and mixed by the paddle mixer, and thendelivered as modified earth onto the transfer/delivery means 27.Subsequently, the modified earth is transported by the transfer/deliverymeans 27 and delivered to the outside of the machine (to the left inthis embodiment as shown in FIG. 1).

[0075] In many of conventional similar self-propelled recycling machinesincluding a self-propelled soil modifying machine, a power unit (moverunit) serving as a driving source for various component units, e.g., aprocessing apparatus (corresponding to the mixing apparatus 23 in thisembodiment) and traveling units, is mounted on a body frame at one endin the longitudinal direction thereof. Taking into account a totalweight balance of the machine in, e.g., self-propelled traveling andprocessing works, therefore, positions in which the various componentunits, such as the processing apparatus, are to be arranged arenecessarily essentially limited to particular locations on the bodyframe, and layout of the various component units is greatly restrictedin the whole of the machine.

[0076] By contrast, in this embodiment, an accommodation space is formedbetween the pair of traveling units 2 disposed side by side in a spacedrelation, and the base frame 29 containing the power unit 3 therein isdisposed in the accommodation space, whereby the power unit 3, which hasbeen disposed on the body frame in the past, is disposed between thepair of traveling units 2. Accordingly, a wide space can be surely lefton the base frame 29. Further, since the center of gravity of themachine is lowered, stability is not impaired even when the layout ofthe various mounted component units is changed to some extent, and hencestability of the machine as a whole can be drastically improved. As aresult, comparing with the conventional structure in which the bodyframe is disposed on the traveling units and the power unit is arrangedin one side of the body frame in the longitudinal direction thereof,flexibility in layout of the various component units can be greatlyincreased. In addition, by attaching the track frames 4 for thetraveling units 2 to the first member 29 a of the base frame 29 at aposition as high as possible from the lower end of the first member 29 awithin an allowable range, as shown in FIG. 8, the center of gravity ofthe base unit 1 is further lowered, whereby a more satisfactoryadvantage can be obtained with increased stability.

[0077] While the base frame 29 is constructed by the first member 29 aand the second members 29 b in this embodiment, the present invention isnot always limited to such a construction. For example, the base unit 1may be constructed by simply providing a plate between the pair oftraveling units 2 (more specifically between the pair of track frames4), and mounting the power unit 3 on the plate so as to position betweenthe pair of traveling units 2. In other words, it is not necessarilyrequired to assemble the first and second members 29 a, 29 b into theintegral structure like this embodiment. It is just required to assemblea frame allowing the power unit 3 to be disposed between the pair oftraveling units 2 and enabling the various component units to be mountedin appropriate layout above the frame.

[0078] Even in different types of self-propelled recycling machines,such as a self-propelled soil modifying machine and a self-propelledcrushing machine, basic structures of general equipment, such astracking units and a power unit, are generally almost the same exceptother various component units mounted on a body frame. In manufacturingvarious types of self-propelled recycling machines, therefore, thetracking units and the power unit can be preferably employed in commonby the various types of self-propelled recycling machines.

[0079] In practice, however, to ensure a total weight balance of themachine for each of the various types of self-propelled recyclingmachines, including the various component units mounted thereon, theposition of the power unit must be displaced to some extent in thelongitudinal direction of the body frame depending on the layout of thevarious component units, examine before deciding sufficiently. Statedotherwise, when manufacturing self-propelled recycling machines in thepast, the layout design of the entire machine had to be made for each ofthe various types of self-propelled recycling machines. Further, adedicated body frame for supporting the various component units and thepower unit was required, and it was difficult to the tracking units andthe power unit in common among the various types of self-propelledrecycling machine while maintaining those units in the same positionalrelationship.

[0080] By contrast, in this embodiment, since the power unit 3 isdisposed between the pair of traveling units 2 substantially over theentire length in the longitudinal direction thereof, the center ofgravity of the power unit 3 is positioned at a lower level and the powerunit 3 can be arranged substantially at the center of the base unit 1.Therefore, the weight balance can be drastically improved in comparisonwith the conventional case of providing the body frame above thetracking units and mounting the power unit in one side of the body framein the longitudinal direction thereof. Also, even when the center ofgravity of the various component units mounted on the base unit 1 isdisplaced from the center of the base unit 1 to some extent as a whole,satisfactory stability can be ensured in self-propelled traveling andprocessing work. It is hence possible to handle the various componentunits mounted on the base unit 1, as optionally attachable units(attachments), while employing the base unit 1 as a common basestructure. Consequently, the manufacturing costs of the various types ofself-propelled recycling machine can be reduced. Furthermore, forexample, in sites requiring the various types of self-propelledrecycling machines, there is no longer need of replacing or purchasingthe various types of machines themselves, and hence economical burdensimposed on end users, rental companies, etc. can be reduced.

[0081] Various types of self-propelled recycling machines, each of whichis constructed using the base unit 1 equipped in one embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention, will bedescribed below one by one with reference to FIGS. 10 to 20.

[0082]FIG. 10 is a side view showing an overall construction of oneself-propelled mixing machine, which is constructed using the base unit1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention. Note that similar components in FIG. 10 to thosein FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and a descriptionthereof is omitted here.

[0083] In FIG. 10, reference numeral 23A denotes a mixing apparatussubstantially similar to the mixing apparatus 23 described above. Themixing apparatus 23A agitates and mixes the received recyclablematerials by a paddle mixer (not shown) installed therein. Referencenumeral 18A denotes a section for receiving the loaded recyclablematerials. The receiving section 18A serves also as an inlet of themixing apparatus 23A. Thus, in a self-propelled mixing machine 100A ofFIG. 10, the transfer/delivery means 27 and the mixing apparatus 23Asupported by a support frame 28A are provided as attachments on the baseunit 1. In the self-propelled mixing machine 100A, the loaded recyclablematerials are introduced to the mixing apparatus 23A through thereceiving section 18A, agitated by the paddle mixer, and then deliveredto the outside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0084]FIG. 11 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled mixing machine, which is constructed using the base unit1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention. Note that similar components in FIG. 11 to thosein FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and a descriptionthereof is omitted here.

[0085] In FIG. 11, reference numeral 34 denotes a tub-type mixingapparatus. In a self-propelled mixing machine 100B of FIG. 11, thetransfer/delivery means 27 and the mixing apparatus 34 supported by asupport frame 28B are provided as attachments on the base unit 1. In theself-propelled mixing machine 100B, the loaded recyclable materials areintroduced to the mixing apparatus 34 through a receiving section 18B,agitated by the mixing apparatus 34, and then delivered to the outsideof the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0086]FIG. 12 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a side sectional viewof a receiving section provided in the self-propelled supplying machine.Note that similar components in FIGS. 12 and 13 to those in FIG. 1 aredenoted by the same reference numerals and a description thereof isomitted here.

[0087] In a self-propelled supplying machine 100C shown in FIGS. 12 and13, the transfer/delivery means 27 and a receiving section 18C supportedby a support frame 28C are provided as attachments on the base unit 1.Reference numeral 18Ca denotes an opening (see FIG. 13) for dispensingthe recyclable materials (e.g., earth and sand). The opening 18Ca isformed in a wall surface of the receiving section 18C downstream (leftside in FIG. 12) of the transfer/delivery means 27 in the feed directionat a predetermined height so as to face a transport surface of thetransfer/delivery means 27. Also, the opening 18Ca has a width setsubstantially equal to or slightly smaller than the width of thetransport surface of the transfer/delivery means 27. In thisself-propelled supplying machine 100C, the recyclable materials loadedinto the receiving section 18C are delivered through the opening 18Ca tothe outside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27, and thenintroduced to a receiving section of another type of self-propelledrecycling machine, e.g., a self-propelled soil modifying machine.

[0088]FIG. 14 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled supplying machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a side sectional viewof a receiving section provided in that self-propelled supplyingmachine. Note that similar components in FIGS. 14 and 15 to those inFIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and a descriptionthereof is omitted here.

[0089] A self-propelled supplying machine 100C′ shown in FIGS. 14 and 15differs from the above-described self-propelled supplying machine 100Cshown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in that an amount-of-dispensed-materialadjusting means 35 is provided on an external wall of the receivingsection 18C. The amount-of-dispensed-material adjusting means 35comprises a gate 35 a disposed outside the opening 18Ca and a hydrauliccylinder 35 b for vertical sliding the gate 35 a. Thus, in thisself-propelled supplying machine 100C′, an opening area of the opening18Ca can be adjusted by vertically sliding the gate 35 a. The recyclablematerials loaded into the receiving section 18C are dispensed in unitamount corresponding to the area of the opening 18Ca adjusted by thegate 35 a while passing through the opening 18Ca, and then delivered tothe outside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0090]FIG. 16 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled sorting machine, which is constructed using the base unit1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine ofthe present invention. Note that similar components in FIG. 16 to thosein FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and a descriptionthereof is omitted here.

[0091] In FIG. 16, reference numeral 36 denotes a sieving apparatus ofthe so-called vibration type. The sieving apparatus 36 has a body 36 a,which is substantially in the form of a frame and is supported by asupport frame 28D through springs 36 b in a vibratable manner. Also,reference numeral 36 c denotes a driving device for applying vibrationsto the body 36 a. The vibrating device 36 is directly coupled to arotary shaft (not shown) inserted in the body 36 a, and rotates aneccentric drum (not shown) so that vibrations are applied to the body 36a. With a self-propelled sorting machine 100D having such aconstruction, a part of the recyclable materials loaded into a receivingsection 18D at a top of the vibrating sieving apparatus 36, which islarger than the mesh of a screen (not shown) provided within the body 36a, is removed and then delivered to the outside of the machine (to theright in FIG. 16 in this example). Another part of the recyclablematerials, which is smaller than the screen mesh, is selected and thenguided onto the transfer/delivery means 27, following which it isintroduced to a receiving section of another type of self-propelledrecycling machine, e.g., a self-propelled soil modifying machine. Ofcourse, the recyclable materials can be sorted so as to have desiredgrain sizes depending on the grain size required for the recyclablematerials by using an appropriate one of screens having differentmeshes.

[0092]FIG. 17 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled granulating machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention. Note that similar components in FIG.17 to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and adescription thereof is omitted here.

[0093] In FIG. 17, reference numeral 37 denotes a granulating apparatusfor granulating the loaded recyclable materials. The granulatingapparatus 37 comprises a compressive kneading apparatus 37 a forcompressing and kneading the recyclable materials received into areceiving section 18E, and a disintegrating apparatus 37 b for shearingthe recyclable materials, which have been compressed and kneaded by thecompressive kneading apparatus 37 a, and then guiding them onto thetransfer/delivery means 27.

[0094] Although a detailed internal structure of the compressivekneading apparatus 37 a is not specifically shown, the compressivekneading apparatus 37 a includes, for example, two compression rotors.Earth and sand, etc. having a high water content and being in the formof, e.g., the so-called dehydrated cakes are introduced as therecyclable materials to between the compression rotors for furtherappropriate dehydration so that the recyclable materials are deliveredin a more brittle state to the disintegrating apparatus 37 b. On theother hand, the disintegrating apparatus 37 b includes, for example, twomills rotating at high speeds. The recyclable materials in the morebrittle state are disintegrated under shearing by the high-speedrotating mills, whereby the recyclable materials are granulated so as tohave a predetermined grain size.

[0095] In a self-propelled granulating machine 100E shown in FIG. 17,the compressive kneading apparatus 37 a and the disintegrating apparatus37 b supported by a support frame 28E are provided, together with thetransfer/delivery means 27, as attachments on the base unit 1. In theself-propelled granulating machine 100E, the loaded recyclable materialsare introduced to the granulating apparatus 37 through a receivingsection 18E, and after being granulated into the predetermined grainsize, they are delivered to the outside of the machine by thetransfer/delivery means 27.

[0096]FIG. 18 is a side view showing an overall construction of aself-propelled powder dispensing machine, which is constructed using thebase unit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention. Note that similar components in FIG.18 to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and adescription thereof is omitted here.

[0097] In FIG. 18, reference numeral 38 denotes a powder reservoir(silo) for reserving powdery materials, such as lime and cement. Underthe reservoir 38, a transfer/delivery means 27A constructed by a screwconveyor is disposed to extend toward the left side, as viewed in FIG.18, while gradually rising. Thus, in a self-propelled powder dispensingmachine 100F shown in FIG. 18, the transfer/delivery means 27A and thereservoir 38 supported by a support frame 28F are provided asattachments on the base unit 1. Powder having a very small particle sizeand being tend to easily scatter is reserved in the reservoir 38 througha receiving section 18F. The powder in the reservoir 38 is delivered tothe outside of the machine in a sealed-off state by thetransfer/delivery means 27A, and then introduced to a receiving sectionof another type of self-propelled recycling machine, e.g., aself-propelled mixing machine.

[0098]FIG. 19 is a side view showing an overall construction of oneself-propelled crushing machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention. Note that similar components in FIG.19 to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and adescription thereof is omitted here.

[0099] In FIG. 19, reference numeral 39 denotes a crushing apparatus(shredder) for crushing materials to be crushed, e.g., waste tires, asthe recyclable materials. Though not specifically shown for the sake ofsimplicity, the crushing apparatus 39 includes a plurality (e.g., two)of rotating members provided with many cutters inserted in rotaryshafts. Adjacent two of those rotating members mesh with each other andcrush the recyclable materials under shearing, which are introduced tobetween the rotating members.

[0100] Thus, in a self-propelled crushing machine 100G of FIG. 11, thetransfer/delivery means 27, a receiving section 18G and the crushingapparatus 39 supported by a support frame 28G are provided asattachments on the base unit 1. The loaded recyclable materials areintroduced to the crushing apparatus 39 through the receiving section18G, and after being crushed, they are delivered to the outside of themachine by the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0101]FIG. 20 is a side view showing an overall construction of anotherself-propelled crushing machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1 equipped in one embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention. Note that similar components in FIG.20 to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and adescription thereof is omitted here.

[0102] In FIG. 20, reference numeral 39A denotes a crushing apparatus(so-called jaw crusher) for crushing materials to be crushed, e.g.,rocks, as the recyclable materials. Though not specifically shown forthe sake of simplicity, the crushing apparatus 39A includes swingingmovable teeth and fixed teeth. The recyclable materials introduced tobetween these movable teeth and fixed teeth are crushed while beingcrunched with swinging motions of the movable teeth.

[0103] Further, reference numeral 40 denotes a grizzly feeder. Thoughnot specifically shown, the grizzly feeder 40 includes a plurality ofplates arranged in the form of steps and each having a fore end in theform of comb teeth, and the materials to be crushed, which are loadedthrough a receiving section 18H, are successively fed to the crushingapparatus 39A with vibrations of the plates. At the same time, duringthe feed of the materials to be crushed, small grains, fine earth andsand, etc. contained in the recyclable materials are dropped downwardthrough a chute 41 from gaps of the comb teeth at the fore end of eachplate and then guided onto the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0104] Thus, in a self-propelled crushing machine 100H of FIG. 20, thetransfer/delivery means 27, the receiving section 18H, the crushingapparatus 39A, the grizzly feeder 40, the chute 41, etc. supported by asupport frame 28H are provided as attachments on the base unit 1. Inthis self-propelled crushing machine 100H, the recyclable materialsintroduced to the grizzly feeder 40 through the receiving section 18Hare crushed by the crushing apparatus 39A and delivered to the outsideof the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27 along with the smallgrains introduced through the chute 41.

[0105] As seen from the above description with reference to FIGS. 10 to20, the base unit 1 can be employed in common in the various types ofself-propelled recycling machines, and the various component unitsmounted on the base unit 1 can be easily replaced as attachments whilethe base unit 1 is used as a common base structure. Consequently, themanufacturing costs of the various types of self-propelled recyclingmachines can be greatly reduced.

[0106] Generally, in many of sites where the above-mentioned types ofself-propelled recycling machines operate, recycled products aredelivered to the outside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means(delivery conveyor) and accumulated on the ground, for example. In thosecases, the height of the accumulated recycled products increases withthe progress of works and the accumulated recycled products eventuallycontact with the transfer/delivery means. Therefore, when the recycledproducts are accumulated in certain amount, the self-propelled recyclingmachine is moved to a new accumulation place and resumes the worksagain. It can be hence said that, with the transfer/delivery means(delivery conveyor) having a higher delivery level, i.e., with thedownstream end of the transfer/delivery means in the feed directionbeing positioned at a higher level, it is possible to accumulate alarger amount of recycled products in one place, to reduce the frequencyof change in the work position, and to improve the working efficiency.

[0107] On the other hand, in many of conventional self-propelledrecycling machines, transfer/delivery means is disposed so as to locateunder a body frame and to rise toward the outside of the machine from aposition under various processing apparatuses. Then, a power unit andvarious components units are arranged to project from both ends of thebody frame toward the outside of the machine. Hence, an inclinationangle of the transfer/delivery means has a limit in order to avoidinterference with those projected parts. Further, the transfer/deliverymeans develops a force for feeding the recycled products with frictionacting between the feed belt surface and the recycled products. Alsofrom this point of view, the inclination angle of the transfer/deliverymeans cannot be set to a so large value. However, the above-mentionedtype of self-propelled recycling machine is transported by, e.g., atrailer in many cases and has limits on the machine length and height.In other words, the transfer/delivery means preferably has a relativelyhigh delivery height, but it has been difficult to ensure a sufficientdelivery height of the transfer/delivery means because of the limit onthe machine length.

[0108] In this embodiment, since the transfer/delivery means 27 isdisposed on the base unit 1 and this implies that the transfer/deliverymeans 27 is positioned at a level resulting from sliding it in atranslational relation upward from the level where the transfer/deliverymeans was positioned in the conventional self-propelled recyclingmachine, the delivery height of the transfer/delivery means 27 can beincreased without increasing the machine length. Accordingly, theproduction efficiency of the recycled products can be improved withoutmoving the machine with the progress of works. Also, for example, whenthe accumulated recycled products are periodically transferred using awheel loader, etc., the recycled products can be continuously producedwithout essentially changing the work position, thus resulting in higherworking efficiency. Further, when the delivery height is set to a levelcomparable to that in the conventional machine, the machine length canbe greatly reduced, thus resulting in advantages that the machine canmake a smaller turn in the work site and has improved mobility.

[0109] Moreover, in this embodiment, since the delivery height of thetransfer/delivery means 27 is set higher than the receiving section 18,a system can be constructed by arranging the self-propelled sortingmachine 100D, the self-propelled supplying machine 100C and theself-propelled mixing machine 100A in tandem, for example, as shown inFIG. 21.

[0110] In FIG. 21, earth and sand, etc. loaded by a hydraulic excavatoror the like are introduced as the recyclable materials to the sievingapparatus 36 of the self-propelled sorting machine 100D through thereceiving section 18D. Then, the earth and sand sorted by the sievingapparatus 36 are introduced to the receiving section 18C of theself-propelled supplying machine 100C by the transfer/delivery means 27.The sorted earth and sand are dispensed from the receiving section 18Cin units of predetermined volume and introduced to the receiving section18A of the self-propelled mixing machine 100A. Finally, the earth andsand are evenly agitated and mixed by the mixing apparatus 23A, and thendelivered out of the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27.

[0111] Stated otherwise, since the delivery height of thetransfer/delivery means is set higher than the receiving section, thematerials delivered by the transfer/delivery means can be directlyintroduced to the receiving section of another self-propelled recyclingmachine. Therefore, a recyclable-material processing system capable ofrealizing the objective processing can be easily constructed by properlyarranging various types of self-propelled recycling machines havingdesired functions in tandem with no need of installing additional beltconveyors, etc. Since the recyclable-material processing system can beeasily constructed by employing the self-propelled machines in such away, the overall system can be given with mobility.

[0112] Another embodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine thepresent invention will be described below.

[0113]FIG. 22 is a side view showing an overall structure of anotherembodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention, FIG. 23 is a side view showing an external structure of abase unit equipped in another embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a plan view showing anexternal structure of the base unit. Note that components in FIGS. 22 to24 similar to or having similar functions to those in FIGS. 1 to 3 aredenoted by the same reference numerals and a description thereof isomitted here.

[0114] In FIGS. 22 to 24, reference numeral 1A denotes a base unitequipped in this embodiment. The base unit 1A comprises traveling units2, a power unit 3A, and a base frame 29. Reference numeral 42 denotes atank cover, which is disposed on the base frame 29 at one end (left sidein FIG. 22) in the longitudinal direction thereof and houses the fueltank 10 and the hydraulic fluid tank 11. Also, the tank cover 42 ispositioned above the traveling unit 2 on one side (in this example, thetraveling unit 2 on the upper side in FIG. 24).

[0115]FIG. 25 is an internal plan view showing a detailed structure ofthe power unit 3A. Note that components in FIG. 25 similar to or havingsimilar functions to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same referencenumerals and a description thereof is omitted here.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 25, a part of various components constitutingthe power unit 3A, i.e., the engine 9, the hydraulic pump 12, thecontrol valve device 13, the radiator 14, the battery 15, etc., aredisposed in an accommodation space defined by the base frame 29 and thecover 16 so that they are arranged between the pair of traveling units 2on one side (left side in FIG. 25) in the longitudinal direction thereofin concentrated layout, whereas the fuel tank 10 and the hydraulic fluidtank 22 are disposed above the traveling unit 2. With such a layout, anew free zone 43 (see FIG. 24) is created on the base plate 29 betweenthe pair of traveling units 2 on the other side (right side in FIG. 25)in the longitudinal direction thereof. Then, a plurality (three in thisexample) of mount portions 30 are provided on the upper surface of thebase frame 29 in the zone 43. In this embodiment, therefore, the zone 43can be used to support a portion of the transfer/delivery means 27 onthe upstream side (right side in FIG. 22) in the feed direction thereof,and the transfer/delivery means 27 can be arranged at a lower level thanthat in the one embodiment described above. Correspondingly, the heightof the receiving section 18 is reduced. The remaining construction isthe same as that in the one embodiment described above.

[0117] In many of the above-mentioned types of self-propelled recyclingmachines, the recyclable materials are generally loaded using a heavyloading machine such as a hydraulic excavator, and the height of thereceiving section, which defines the loading height of the recyclablematerials, is preferably set as low as possible. In this otherembodiment, the receiving section 18 can be positioned at a level lowerthan that in the one embodiment described above, and hence workabilityin loading the recyclable materials can be increased while achievingessentially the same advantages as those in the one embodiment.

[0118] Of course, by using the base unit 1A equipped in the otherembodiment, various types of self-propelled recycling machine can alsobe easily constructed in such a manner that the various component unitsmounted on the base unit are handled as attachments. Constructionexamples of those various types of self-propelled recycling machineswill be described below one by one with reference to FIGS. 26 to 33.

[0119]FIG. 26 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 10, showing anoverall construction of one self-propelled mixing machine, which isconstructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled mixing machine 200A shown in FIG. 26, thetransfer/delivery means 27 and the mixing apparatus 23A supported by asupport frame 28A′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The loadedrecyclable materials are agitated in the mixing apparatus 23A and thendelivered to the outside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means27.

[0120]FIG. 27 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 11, showing anoverall construction of another self-propelled mixing machine, which isconstructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled mixing machine 200B shown in FIG. 27, thetransfer/delivery means 27, the receiving section 18B and the mixingapparatus 34 supported by a support frame 28B′ are disposed on the baseunit 1A. The loaded recyclable materials are agitated in the mixingapparatus 34 and then delivered to the outside of the machine.

[0121]FIG. 28 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 12, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled supplying machine, which isconstructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled supplying machine 200C shown in FIG. 28, thetransfer/delivery means 27 and the receiving section 18C supported by asupport frame 28C′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The recyclablematerials loaded into the receiving section 18C are delivered to theoutside of the machine by the transfer/delivery means 27, and thenintroduced in units of predetermined amount to the receiving section ofanother type of self-propelled recycling machine, e.g., a self-propelledsoil modifying machine.

[0122]FIG. 29 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 16, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled sorting machine, which isconstructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled sorting machine 200D shown in FIG. 29, thetransfer/delivery means 27 and the sieving apparatus 36 supported by asupport frame 28D′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The loadedrecyclable materials are guided onto the transfer/delivery means 27after being sorted depending on the grain size, and then introduced tothe receiving section of another type of self-propelled recyclingmachine, e.g., a self-propelled soil modifying machine.

[0123]FIG. 30 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 17, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled granulating machine, which isconstructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment of theself-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled granulating machine 200E shown in FIG. 30, thetransfer/delivery means 27, the granulating apparatus 37 and thereceiving section 18E supported by a support frame 28E′ are disposed onthe base unit 1A. The loaded recyclable materials are granulated into apredetermined grain size by the granulating apparatus 37, and thendelivered to the outside of the machine.

[0124]FIG. 31 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 18, showing anoverall construction of a self-propelled powder dispensing machine,which is constructed using the base unit 1A equipped in anotherembodiment of the self-propelled recycling machine of the presentinvention. In a self-propelled powder dispensing machine 200F shown inFIG. 31, the transfer/delivery means 27A and the reservoir 38 supportedby a support frame 28F′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The powder inthe reservoir 38 is delivered to the outside of the machine in asealed-off state by the transfer/delivery means 27A, and then introducedto a receiving section of another type of self-propelled recyclingmachine, e.g., a self-propelled mixing machine. FIG. 32 is a side view,corresponding to FIG. 19, showing an overall construction of oneself-propelled crushing machine, which is constructed using the baseunit 1A equipped in another embodiment of the self-propelled recyclingmachine of the present invention. In a self-propelled crushing machine200G shown in FIG. 32, the transfer/delivery means 27, the receivingsection 18G and the crushing apparatus 39 supported by a support frame28G′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The loaded recyclable materialsare shorn and crushed by the crushing apparatus 39, and then deliveredto the outside of the machine.

[0125]FIG. 33 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 20, showing anoverall construction of another self-propelled crushing machine, whichis constructed using the base unit 1A equipped in another embodiment ofthe self-propelled recycling machine of the present invention. In aself-propelled crushing machine 200H shown in FIG. 33, thetransfer/delivery means 27, the receiving section 18H, the crushingapparatus 39A, the grizzly feeder 40, the chute 41, etc. supported by asupport frame 28H′ are disposed on the base unit 1A. The loadedrecyclable materials are crushed by the crushing apparatus 39A anddelivered to the outside of the machine along with small grainsintroduced through the chute 41.

[0126] As seen from the above description with reference to FIGS. 26 to33, the base unit 1A can also be employed in common in the various typesof self-propelled recycling machines, and the various component unitsmounted on the base unit 1A can be easily replaced as attachments whilethe base unit 1A is used as a common base structure.

[0127] Moreover, also in this embodiment, since the delivery height ofthe transfer/delivery means is set higher than the receiving section, adesired processing system can be constructed by properly arranging thevarious types of self-propelled recycling machines in tandem, forexample, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. Recyclable-material processingsystems shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 will be described below in brief.

[0128] In the processing system shown in FIG. 34, the self-propelledsupplying machine 200C, the self-propelled granulating machine 200E andthe self-propelled sorting machine 200D, all described above, arearranged in tandem in this order. Earth and sand, etc. having a highwater content, such as the so-called dehydrated cake, are loaded intothe receiving section 18C of the self-propelled supplying machine 200Cusing a hydraulic excavator, for example, and then supplied to theself-propelled granulating machine 200E in predetermined amount. Theearth and sand, etc. granulated substantially into a predetermined grainsize are sorted by the self-propelled sorting machine 200D. Finally, theearth and sand granulated into a desired grain size are accumulated.

[0129] The processing system shown in FIG. 35 is a soil modifying systemcomprising a conventional self-propelled soil modifying machine 300 andthe above-described self-propelled sorting machine 200D, which arearranged in tandem. In this soil modifying system, when earth and sandare loaded as the recyclable materials into a sieving apparatus 301 ofthe self-propelled soil modifying machine 300 using a hydraulicexcavator, for example, the earth and sand having passed through ascreen (not shown) within the sieving apparatus 301 is introduced to ahopper 302 disposed under the sieving apparatus 301. The earth and sandintroduced to the hopper 302 are placed on a transport conveyor 303disposed under the hopper 302, and then introduced to a mixing apparatus(not shown) while a hardener from a hardener supplying apparatus 304 isadded to the earth and sand during the transport. The earth and sand andthe hardener introduced to the mixing apparatus are evenly agitated andmixed by a paddle mixer (not shown), and then supplied as modifiedearth, i.e., recycled products, to the sieving apparatus 36 of theself-propelled sorting machine 200D by a delivery conveyor 305. Finally,only the modified earth having grain sizes not greater than apredetermined value is sorted out by the sieving apparatus 36 and thenaccumulated.

[0130] Thus, since the delivery height of the transfer/delivery means isset higher than the receiving section, the materials delivered by thetransfer/delivery means can be easily introduced to the receivingsection of another self-propelled recycling machine. Therefore, arecyclable-material processing system capable of realizing the objectiveprocessing and having mobility can be easily constructed in a compactstructure by properly arranging various types of self-propelledrecycling machines having desired functions in tandem.

[0131] While the self-propelled crushing machine has been describedabove in connection with several examples in which crushing apparatusessuch as the so-called shredder and jaw crusher are mounted on themachines, the present invention is not limited to those types ofself-propelled recycling machines. The present invention is alsoapplicable to the so-called self-propelled wood crushing machine forreceiving, wood to be crushed as recyclable materials, crushing thereceived wood, and producing wood fragments as recycled materials, thewood to be crushed being, e.g., pruned branches and lumber from thinningwhich are generated when cutting trees in forests and pruning the trees,limb and twig cuttings which are generated when turning the land into ahousing site and when maintaining and managing green zones, or scrapwood that is generated when dismantling wooden houses. It is needles tosay that, such a wood crushing machine can also be constructed byproviding, as attachments, necessary component units, e.g., a receivingsection, a wood crushing apparatus and a transfer/delivery means, on thebase frame 1 or 1A while supporting them by a support frame. As a matterof course, other various types of self-propelled recycling machines canalso be easily constructed by providing, on the base unit 1 or 1A, othersuitable processing apparatuses such as other types of crushingapparatuses, e.g., a cone crusher and an impact crusher, and afluidizing treatment apparatus for treating sludge. Those self-propelledrecycling machine can likewise provide similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

[0132] Finally, the above description has been made of, by way ofexample, the self-propelled recycling machine including the crawlers 7serving as the traveling units 2 for the base unit 1 or 1A. However, thepresent invention is not limited to those traveling units, and theself-propelled recycling machine may include, e.g., wheel type travelingunits. This type of self-propelled recycling machine can also providesimilar advantages to those described above.

[0133] Industrial Applicability

[0134] According to the present invention, an accommodation space isformed between the traveling units disposed side by side in a spacedrelation, and the base frame containing the power unit therein isdisposed in the accommodation space, whereby the power unit, which hasbeen disposed on the body frame in the past, is disposed between thetraveling units. Accordingly, a wide space can be surely left on thebase frame, and stability of the machine as a whole can be drasticallyimproved. As a result, comparing with the conventional structure inwhich the body frame is disposed on the traveling units and the powerunit is arranged in one side of the body frame in the longitudinaldirection thereof, flexibility in layout of various component units canbe greatly increased.

1. A self-propelled recycling machine (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′;100D; 100E; 100F; 100G; 100H; 200; 200A; 200B, 200C; 200D; 200E; 200F;200G; 200H) for receiving recyclable materials and processing therecyclable materials to produce recycled products, said self-propelledrecycling machine comprising: a base frame (29) having a space therein;traveling units (2) disposed on both sides of said base frame (29); apower unit (3; 3A) accommodated in the space within said base frame(29); and a processing apparatus (18C; 23; 23A; 34; 36; 37; 38; 39; 39A)disposed on said base frame (29).
 2. A self-propelled recycling machine(100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′; 100D; 100E; 100F; 100G; 100H; 200; 200A;200B; 200C; 200D; 200E; 200F; 200G; 200H) for receiving recyclablematerials and processing the recyclable materials to produce recycledproducts, said self-propelled recycling machine comprising: a base frame(29) made up of a first member (29 a) having a space therein and secondmembers (29 b) disposed at an upper end of said first member (29 a) onboth sides to extend substantially horizontally; traveling units (2)disposed on both sides of said first member (29 a) and positioned undersaid second members (29 b); a power unit (3; 3A) accommodated in thespace within said first member (29 a); and a processing apparatus (18C;23; 23A; 34; 36; 37; 38; 39; 39A) disposed on said base frame (29).
 3. Aself-propelled recycling machine (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′; 100D;100E; 100F; 100G; 100H; 200; 200A; 200B, 200C; 200D; 200E; 200F; 200G;200H) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said power unit (3; 3A)comprises an engine (9), a fuel tank (10) for said engine (9), ahydraulic fluid tank (11), a hydraulic pump (12) driven by said engine(9), and a radiator (14) for cooling said engine (9).
 4. Aself-propelled recycling machine (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′; 100D;100E; 100F; 100G; 100H) according to claim 3, wherein said engine (9),said fuel tank (10), said hydraulic fluid tank (11), said hydraulic pump(12), and said radiator (14) are disposed between said traveling units(2) substantially over an entire length in the longitudinal directionthereof.
 5. A self-propelled recycling machine (200; 200A; 200B; 200C;200D; 200E; 200F; 200G; 200H) according to claim 3, wherein said engine(9), said hydraulic pump (10), and said radiator (14) are disposedbetween said traveling units (2) on one side in the longitudinaldirection thereof in concentrated layout.
 6. A self-propelled recyclingmachine (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′; 100D; 100E; 100F; 100G; 100H;200; 200A; 200B, 200C; 200D; 200E; 200F; 200G; 200H) according to claim4 or 5, further comprising a receiving section (18; 18A; 18B; 18C; 18D;18E; 18F; 18G; 18H) receiving the recyclable materials and disposedabove the other side of said base frame (29) in the longitudinaldirection thereof, and transfer/delivery means (27) extended toward oneside of said base frame (29) in the longitudinal direction thereof.
 7. Aself-propelled recycling machine (100; 100A; 100B; 100C; 100C′; 100D;100E; 100F; 100G; 100H; 200; 200A; 200B, 200C; 200D; 200E; 200F; 200G;200H) according to claim 6, wherein said transfer/delivery means (27)has a delivery side end positioned at a level higher than said receivingsection (18; 18A; 18B; 18C; 18D; 18E; 18F; 18G; 18H).
 8. Aself-propelled recycling machine (100; 100A; 100B; 200; 200A; 200B)according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said processing apparatusis a mixing apparatus (23; 23A; 34) for mixing the recyclable materials.9. A self-propelled recycling machine (100; 200) according to claim 8,wherein a transport conveyor (19) for supplying the recyclable materialsto said mixing apparatus (23) and a hardener supplying apparatus (20)for supplying a hardener to the recyclable materials are furtherdisposed on said base frame (29).
 10. A self-propelled recycling machine(100C′) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein amount-of-dispensed-materialadjusting means (35) for adjusting an amount of the recyclable materialsdispensed to be transported by said transfer/delivery means (27) isdisposed above said transfer/delivery means (27).
 11. A self-propelledrecycling machine (100D; 200D) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,wherein said processing apparatus is a sieving apparatus (36) forsorting the recyclable materials depending on grain sizes.
 12. Aself-propelled recycling machine (100E; 200E) according to any one ofclaims 1 to 7, wherein said processing apparatus (37) comprises acompressive kneading apparatus (37 a) for compressing and kneading therecyclable materials, and a disintegrating apparatus (37 b) for shearingthe recyclable materials having been compressed and kneaded by saidcompressive kneading apparatus (37 a).
 13. A self-propelled recyclingmachine (100G, 100H; 200G; 200H) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,wherein said processing apparatus is a crushing apparatus (39; 39A) forcrushing the recyclable materials.
 14. A base unit (1; 1A) for aself-propelled recycling machine for receiving recyclable materials andprocessing the recyclable materials to produce recycled products, saidbase unit comprising: a base frame (29) having a space therein;traveling units (2) disposed on both sides of said base frame (29): anda power unit (3; 3A) accommodated in the space within said base frame(29).
 15. A base frame (29) for a self-propelled recycling machine forreceiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclable materialsto produce recycled products, wherein said base frame has a space formedtherein for accommodating a power unit (3; 3A) between traveling units(2).